Zoning

The Zoning Department oversees all land development in the City of Forest Lake, including commercial, industrial, residential, and subdivisions. The department is also responsible for signage review and approval, conditional/interim use permits, issuance of certificates of compliance, variance requests, code enforcement, and a substantial portion of the City’s economic development activities. The Zoning Administrator also provides recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the City’s land use.

Planning Commission

The Forest Lake Planning Commission is comprised of nine appointed members who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council for three-year terms. Duties of the Planning Commission include making recommendations to the City Council on the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code; the Planning Commission also conducts public hearings on land use applications, including variances, conditional use permits, and concept plans. Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Questions can be directed to Donovan Hart, Zoning Administrator or Jolleen Chaika, Deputy Clerk.

Donovan Hart

The Zoning Administrator coordinates all facets of City planning, including site plan review, conditional use permits, subdivisions, variances, planned unit developments, and related zoning items. Sign permits, zoning review of building applications, and code enforcement are also handled by the Zoning Administrator.